Understanding the role of music and sound in conflict transformation: The Rwandan case Study

The project will explore the effects of the Rwandan Musicians Without Borders Music Leadership programme and introduce a new strand of participatory activity based on sonic arts practices. The aims of the research are:

To evaluate the effectiveness of an ongoing music programme,

To expand the role of music in conflict through training, and

To produce a work of sonic arts in Rwanda which can be disseminated internationally.

The research will reflect upon and facilitate an understanding of how music leaders’ activities and the methods through which they are trained are generating new youth music while promoting an understanding of sound that can contribute to the welfare of the communities involved.

The project represents increased capacity in an area of research strength for SARC and The Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice, and complements the recent AHRC £800,000 award “Sounding Conflict: From Resistance to Reconciliation”.

Funder: AHRC/ESRC

Partnership for Conflict, Crime, and Security Research (PaCCS) Conflict Theme

Award: Interdisciplinary Research Innovation Awards on Conflict and International Development